You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Do I need a licence to have a fireworks display?

Stay safe this Bonfire Night (Image: Cultura RM/Leonard Pine)

No. No licence or permit is required in the UK, though a licence may be needed if you are planning to have a big event with a large number of people and elements such as music or alcohol, and only professionals are allowed to use certain types of fireworks.

The Health and Safety Executive says that if you are organising a major public event: "you will clearly need a robust and detailed approach to planning as well as professional involvement.

"If you are holding a local firework display, such as those organised by many sports clubs, schools or parish councils, you still need to plan responsibly, but the same level of detail is not necessary or expected."

Aren’t there different categories for fireworks?

Yes. Category 2 and 3 ones are those available from our fireworks retailers and which are on sale to the general public. Category 4 ones are for professional use only and are extremely dangerous to the untrained.

Are there any safety tips for fireworks?

Celebrate Bonfire Night in style this year

Lots. Here’s what the government says:

• Fireworks must only be handled and lit by responsible adults

• Alcohol and fire don’t mix – nor do alcohol and fireworks

• Keep fireworks in a closed box well away from bonfires or any other sources of heat or fire

• Follow the instructions on each firework. Different fireworks can present different hazards and so the instructions vary

• Use a torch if you read the instructions in the dark – do not use a naked flame

• Let fireworks off one at a time

• Do not throw fireworks – it is highly dangerous

• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper

• When you are watching fireworks, stand well back

• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode

• Hold sparklers one at a time in gloved hands at arm’s length. When the sparkler goes out, it is still very hot so put it end down in a bucket of water

• Never leave matches or lighters lying around

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